For Immediate Release October 9, 2014

Home , American Indian Movement, Billy Sheehan, Lita Ford, Matt Sorum, Vince Neil, Zakk Wylde

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 9, 2014 | 10:30 AM PT

NATIVE VOICES RISE AT THIS YEARS RED NATION FILM FESTIVAL IN BEVERLY HILLS FOCUS ON ROCK LEGENDS, COMEDY AND ART AS ACTIVISM

Experience Native Cinema at Red Nation Film Festival, Fest unveils 40+ Film Screenings. Inside the Festival, New Initiatives, 40+ Retrospective, Lifetime Achievement Award, Awards Show. 2 Host Venues: Laemmle Music Hall Theater and The Laugh Factory

Red Nation Film Festival – The Authentic Voice of American Indian & Indigenous Cinema is one of the fastest growing native independent Festivals in the country, now in its 11th season and presented by Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI), Honest Engine Films, Comcast/NBC Universal. The Festival and Awards Show were created by RNCI as we are at the forefront in vision, creativity, leadership, inspiration and sustainability for American Indian and Indigenous Nations in new media and the arts since 1995 while staying true to our heritage, culture, history and tradition.

Red Nation Film Festival (RNFF) screening venue, Laemmle Music Hall Theater in Beverly Hills, the Laemmle family has been RNFF venue since the festival’s inception in 2003. RNFF lineup of native independent films, studio films, Indigenous international films, including native documentaries that generate plenty of awards buzz. This is the festival that screens Academy Award® winning films and Emmy Award® winning films before they were nominated — for the past 7 years. “Frozen River”, “The Garden”, and “Honor the Treaties” were screened at RNFF. In addition, RNFF was the first festival in the world to screen before its premiere and to the general public in partnership with Summit Entertainment “Twilight Saga- New Moon”. This is the festival to experience native cinema.

The Festival’s focus this year is on Rock Legends, Comedy, and Art as Activism. Los Angeles is the home to the largest American Indian urban population, home to the entertainment capital of the world and second largest city in the country. RNFF is the first and most prestigious native festival in Los Angeles.

The festival will kick off Monday, November 3, 2014 with “Let’s Hear Your FUNNY™” with our festival partner The Laugh Factory and comedian JR Redwater will serve as Master of Ceremony. Throughout the 10 days, the festivals diverse audience, made up of the public, journalists, educators, visiting filmmakers, A-list celebs, and film distribution companies, will experience American Indian Cinema at its best. With a lineup of 39 native films, with many screenings followed by Red Nation Q & A sessions with directors, producers and cast. In addition there will be four Red Nation FilmLab Conversation Series: Social Media and the American Indian, Native Women in Film & Television, Music in Film, and Native Wellness in the Arts.

The Festival will open Tuesday, November 4th, with rock legend “The Life, Blood and Rhythm of Randy Castillo”, the story of the late, legendary drummer who played with Ozzy Osborne, Motley Crue, Lita Ford, and other rock and roll icons of the 1980s and 1990s. Director: Wynn Ponder Producers: Wynn Ponder and Michael Bell and Narrated by Lita Ford, the film will feature superstar interviews, concert footage, home movies and behind-the-scenes video of this bigger-than-life musician whose unshakable passion carried him from the wrong side of the tracks to the top of the charts.

Interviews: Slash, Lemmy, Zakk Wylde, Lita Ford, Nikki Sixx, Martha Davis, Bill Ward, Vince Neil, Kip Winger, Phil Soussan, Mike Inez, John 5, Billy Sheehan, Bobby Blotzer, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, Jerry Cantrell, Carmine Rojas, Tico Torres, Mitch Perry and Stevie Salas.

The Festival will close with the Red Nation Awards Show on Wednesday, November 12th, celebrating cinematic achievements in film, television, music, and comedy and on behalf of American Indians in media, social justice, and the arts.

Red Nation Awards Show will honor John Trudell with the Oyate Wayanka Po Win – Lifetime Achievement Award. John Trudell is an acclaimed poet, national recording artist, actor and activist whose international following reflects the universal language of his words, work and message. Trudell (Santee Sioux) was a spokesperson for the Indian of All Tribes occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971. He then worked with the American Indian Movement (AIM), serving as Chairman of AIM from 1973 to 1979. In February of 1979, a fire of unknown origin killed Trudell’s wife, three children and mother-in-law. It was through this horrific tragedy that Trudell began to find his voice as an artist and poet, writing, in his words, “to stay connected to this reality.” In addition to his music career, Trudell has played roles in a number of feature films, including a lead role in the Mirimax movie “Thunderheart” and a major part in Sherman Alexie’s “Smoke Signals”. He most recently played Coyote in Hallmark’s made for television movie “Dreamkeeper”.

The Festival is all about #leadforward and has become the trustworthy content provider with its groundbreaking initiatives. In 2013, Red Nation Awards Show was broadcast in 19 million homes with our partnership with Comcast | NBC Universal and Red Nation Television Channel – Native is Here, to 10 million viewers in 37 countries, making Red Nation Awards Show, the first American Indian Awards Show broadcast on television and the internet. This year, Red Nation Awards will be televised and aired on November 23, 2014 across the country, marking yet another historic phenomenon, cementing native cinema at the forefront of the industry.

This is the entertainment industry’s premiere showcase for native award-winning independent films, studio premieres, and Red Nation FilmLab Conversation Series with native filmmakers. RNFF is Home to the Native Documentary Voice, lending itself to film lovers and enthusiasts, it’s the place to be in the month of November, in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month.

A Martinez, Edward James Olmos, Ed Begley Jr., Benicio Del Toro Slash, Lemmy, Zakk Wylde, Lita Ford, Nikki Sixx, Martha Davis, Bill Ward, Vince Neil, Kip Winger, Phil Soussan, Mike Inez, John 5, Billy Sheehan, Bobby Blotzer, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, Jerry Cantrell, Carmine Rojas, Tico Torres, Mitch Perry, John Trudell, Zahn McClarnon, Saginaw Grant, Gil Birmingham, Alma Martinez, Saul Davis, Carla Olson, Rosario Dawson, Danny Trejo, Jeremiah Bitsui, Heather Rae, Johnny Sequoyah, and dignitaries, are among the array of stars expected to alight on the Red is Green Carpet Events of the 2014 Red Nation Film Festival & Awards Show.

Slates for Retrospective, Red Nation FilmLab Conversation Series, and RNFF New Initiatives were also unveiled today, bringing year’s grand total to 40+ films. Lineup includes documentary features, shorts, two world premieres, 5 international (Canada, Mexico, Alaska, France, Brazil) films, one California premiere, and 28 Los Angeles premieres.

Music Legends, ‘Randy Castillo” Lita Ford (The Runaways), Slash (Guns N’Roses, Velvet Revolver), Phil Soussan (Ozzy’s bass player), Mitch Perry (Lita Ford Band), Chris Castillo (Randy Castillo’s sister), Wynn Ponder (Director), Mike Bell (Producer), which is making its world premiere; “Gene Clark The Bird that Flew Alone”, which is making its Los Angeles premiere, Carla Olson (Textones), Saul Davis (Gene Clark’s manager), Kai Clark (Gene Clark’s son) and other celebrity friends will also discuss their careers, their work with these Rock Legends, and current work in the program. Joanelle Romero (RNFF founder/President) will take the Legends stage with these artists.

Special Presentations has added the California premiere of “Huicholes: The Last Peyote Guardians,” “LaDonna Harris: Indian 101” (Johnny Depp Production), “Among Ravens,” (Heather Rae Producer), “Cesars Last Fast” (in motion 2015 Oscar Contender), “Full Blooded Hilarious” (JR Redwater), “We Are A Horse Nation.”

Retrospective “Best of Fest the First 10 Years,” 7 films will screen, all of which are Red Nation Award winners. “Why the Women in Our Family Don’t Drink Whiskey” (Short/Director: Theda NewBreast); “Yellow Rock” (Feature/Director: Nick Vallelonga), “In the Footsteps of Yellow Woman” (Short/Director: Camille Manybeads Tso), “Cangleska Wakan/The Sacred Hoop” (Documentary Feature/Director: Aitken Pearson), “Trudell” (Documentary Feature/Director: Heather Rae), “American Holocaust: When Its All Over I’ll Still Be Indian” (Short/Director: Joanelle Romero), “Mohawk Midnight Runners” (Short/Director: Zoe Leigh Hopkins).

RNFF New Initiatives programs include Native Wellness Institute presents Native Wellness in the Arts, Red Nation Actors/Writers/Directors/Producers ROUNDTABLE, Red Nation Talent Development, Red Nation Emerging Filmmakers Lab, RNFF Mentor Program Directing a Dramatic Series and RNFF Social Change Projects.

The Festival’s Cultural Outreach and industry partners include National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Film Independent, PLUS Peer Leaders Uniting Students and Native Wellness Institute.

In addition, Red Nation Film Festival and Red Nation Films will have a strong presence at this year’s American Film Market.

Red Nation Film Awards (list of categories): Outstanding Actor in the Leading Role, Outstanding Actor in Supporting Role, Outstanding Actress in the Leading Role, Outstanding Actress in the Supporting Role, Best Director, Best Picture, Best Documentary Film, Best Documentary Short, Outstanding Comedian in a One Hour Special/Television Series, Special Legends Music Award and Best Music Video. TELEVISION CATEGORIES: Outstanding Supporting Actor in Television Mini-Series/MOW/ Television show, Outstanding Actress in Television Mini-Series/MOW/Television show, Outstanding Supporting Actress in Television Mini Series/MOW/Television show, Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Drama/Comedy Series.

Red Nation Tribute Awards (list of categories): Brando Award, Red Nation Activists Award, Red Nation Vision Award, Red Nation Humanitarian Award, Red Nation “Oyate” Award, Edward Albert Jr. Award, and American Indian Heritage Month Award.

The Festival has partnered with PLUS Peer Leaders Uniting Students in having native student journalists join the many other journalists to cover the Red is Green Carpet for Awards Show.

The festival also released its official schedule for buyers and journalists.

Red Nation Film Festival runs November 3-12, 2014. For information on tickets, passes, schedules and more visit: http://www.rednationff.com.

SPOTLIGHT ON MUSIC LEGENDS DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

“The Life, Blood and Rhythm of Randy Castillo”, USA, World Premiere

“The Life, Blood and Rhythm of Randy Castillo”, the story of the late, legendary drummer who played with Ozzy Osborne, Motley Crue, Lita Ford, and other rock and roll icons of the 1980s and 1990s. Director: Wynn Ponder, Producers: Wynn Ponder and Michael Bell and Narrated by Lita Ford, the film will feature superstar interviews, concert footage, home movies and behind-the-scenes video of this bigger-than-life musician whose unshakable passion carried him from the wrong side of the tracks to the top of the charts.

“The Byrd Who Flew Alone: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Gene Clark”, USA, Los Angeles Premiere

Bob Dylan described him as one of the three best songwriters in the world. He was the original front man for one of the most iconic and influential bands of the 60s. After his abrupt departure from The Byrds, at the peak of their popularity, he made records that are still regarded as classics. And he was one of the great pioneers of both folk rock and country rock. Yet, so far as the public is concerned, Gene Clark is largely unknown and his reputation lags far behind that of peers such as Gram Parsons.

Since his death in 1991, at the age of 46, his songs have been covered by artists ranging from Robert Plant to Yo La Tengo, and he’s been hailed as a key influence by successive generations of musicians, such as Tom Petty, Primal Scream and Fleet Foxes. Some of his albums have been unavailable for long periods and are only now all in print again.

This 110 minute documentary explores the mystery of why this richly talented but deeply enigmatic and often self-destructive man failed to enjoy the success his work deserved. Drawing on interviews with his family, friends and fellow musicians, a wealth of great music from the four decade span of his career and previously unseen archive material, it’s a story that’s both compelling and moving, veering between moments of magic and moments of madness

Interviews: Gene Clark … Himself, David Crosby, Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, Barry McGuire, Carla Olson, Saul Davis, Thomas Jefferson Kaye, Taj Mahal.

FEATURES

“Rhymes for Young Ghouls”, Canada, Los Angeles Premiere Eye-catching feature about a teenage aboriginal revenge-seeking drug-dealer Red Crow Mi’g Maq reservation, 1976: By government decree, every Indian child under the age of 16 must attend residential school. In the kingdom of the Crow that means imprisonment at St. Dymphna’s and being at the mercy of “Popper”, the sadistic Indian agent who runs the school.

At 15, Aila is the weed princess of Red Crow. Hustling with her uncle Burner, she sells enough dope to pay Popper her “truancy tax”, keeping her out of St.D’s. But when Aila’s drug money is stolen and her father Joseph returns from prison, the precarious balance of Aila’s world is destroyed. Her only options are to run or fight… and Mi’gMaq don’t run.

“Among Ravens”, USA, Special Presentation The story of a group of friends who reunite for their annual 4th of July weekend only to be confronted by Chad, a strange and beautiful nature photographer who begins to change their lives one by one.

“The Activist”, France, Special Presentation A political thriller during the Wounded Knee insurrection in 1973. Two activists are arrested and maintain in custody in a sheriff’s office. They will meet a Nixon advisor, a lawyer, a senator and a movie star who is also an activist. February 2013 was the 40th anniversary of the insurrection…

"Craters on the Moon", USA, Los Angeles Premiere A married couple stranded in the desert watch –as the days pass– their relationship slowly deteriorate – leading to the film’s chilling climax.

RNFF Cultural Screening Series partners with National Association Latino Independent Producers Presents “Cesar’s Last Fast,” USA and hosted by Association Latino Independent Producers

Cesar’s Last Fast is a multi-platform feature documentary film about the private sacrifice and spiritual conviction behind Cesar Chavez’s struggle for the humane treatment of America’s farm workers, and the impact Chavez’s legacy has on today’s generation of organizers fighting for farm worker rights. The film is built around powerful, never-before-seen footage of Chavez’s 1988 “Fast for Life,” a 36-day act of penance for not having done enough to stop growers from spraying pesticides on farm workers. The story of this water-only fast is the film’s dramatic arc into which the filmmakers interweave the historic events that defined the life mission of America’s most inspiring Latino leader and the struggles on fronting today’s farm workers.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

“Huicholes: The Last Peyote Guardians”, Mexico, California Premiere The urgent story of the mystical Wixarika People, the Huicholes: one of the last pre-Hispanic alive cultures in Latin America. Their struggle against the Mexican government and multinational mining corporations to preserve Wirikuta, their most sacred territory and home of the famous peyote cactus. The mining activities of the Canadian companies that got the concessions in 2010 to prospect this protected area, rich in silver, gold and other minerals, are seen by the Wixarika and their supporters as a great menace for the delicate biodiversity of this unique ecosystem, listed by the UNESCO as World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This is an unequal and controversial fight from today that triggers the global debate between ancient cultural values, the exploitation of nature and the inevitable development of the peoples.

“LaDonna Harris: Indian 101”, USA, Los Angeles Premiere A feature documentary film about Comanche activist LaDonna Harris, who has led an extensive life of Native political and social activism and is now passing on her traditional, cultural and leadership values to a new generation of emerging Indigenous leaders.

Harris’ introduction to the federal government began when President Lyndon Johnson assigned her to educate the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government on the unique role of American Indian Tribes and their relationship with the federal government. This course was called “Indian 101” and was taught to members of Congress and other agencies for over 35 years.

“We Are A Horse Nation”, USA, World Premiere The film documents the relationship(s) among the Oceti Sakowin (Lakota, Dakota, Nakota) peoples and the Sunka Wakan Oyate (Horse Nation). The voice and perspective for the film is shared by the peoples living throughout the Ikce Oyate (Common People). Stories, history, traditional horse songs and culture tell the story of how people across the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota lands are bringing the Horse back in to the center of their ways of life. Focusing on the healing provided by the Horse Nation, “We Are A Horse Nation” is intended to provide a positive picture of life among the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota while paying respect and honors to their (Oceti Sakowin) relatives of the Horse Nation.

“Inner Healing: Journey with the Native Trees of Knowledge,” USA, Los Angeles Premiere Autistic since childhood, filmmaker Adrian Esposito and his family have searched for a cure for his autism all of his life. One day, Adrian accidentally stumbled upon some reel to reel tapes of Cherokee healer and visionary, Rolling Thunder in his mother’s basement. Impressed by Rolling Thunder’s teachings, he questioned whether Native American medicine men and healers could help him find a cure or at least help him deal with troublesome symptoms of his autism.

This documentary is the story of his journey to find the answer to that question. He traveled across America and Canada interviewing Native American healers and elders. All along, he shares his impressions with his therapist, Lawrence Sugarman M.D. who interjects information about the medical aspects of autism.

It will transform the viewer’s opinions on autism and developmental disabilities. It will help anyone suffering from emotional distress. Ultimately, it will help all of us realize that we have choices and that we can find balance and peace with ourselves, the earth, and one another.

“Indians in Aviation”, USA, Los Angeles Premiere This is the untold but true story of how American Indians, seeking a better way of life for their families, migrated from Indian territories to work in the wartime aviation industries. In doing so, they created a new destiny for tribal community that is still evolving to this day. A 1948 colorized photograph that hung on an aircraft worker’s wall led to the discovery of a lost chapter in the annuals of both aviation and the American Indian.

“Listening for a New Day”, USA, Los Angeles Premiere The Arapaho people are facing a crisis, how to keep the culture alive in a modern world? The Elders decided to teach the children to make an authentic Arapaho buffalo hide tipi in the old way. This is the story of how the entire community came together to make it happen.

“F I R S T L A N G U A G E The Race to Save Cherokee”, USA, Los Angeles Premiere The Cherokee Indians of North America were once the dominant power in what is now the Southeastern United States. The creeks, valleys and mountains of Southern Appalachia are reflected in their traditions, and in the rhythm of their speech. Around fourteen thousand Cherokee have remained in their ancestral homeland in the mountains of North Carolina, but very few among them still speak their native language. Many more Cherokee live in Oklahoma, where their ancestors settled after the ethnic cleansing known as Removal, but the situation is the same, with perhaps a handful of children learning the language at home. Recognizing the imminent loss of their most powerful vessel of knowledge, identity, and world view, the Eastern Band of Cherokee are now taking extraordinary steps in a fight to preserve the language, including the establishment of a total immersion Elementary school. First Language documents a U.S. community coming to terms with a heritage that predates the United States by thousands of years.

“JR Redwater Full Blooded Hilarious”, USA, World Premiere As an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, JR Redwater is like a jolt of comedy lightning! JR takes audiences by storm with his fearless style of raw funny. “JR’s pain is the audience’s gain as he spins the bitter hardships of reservation life into huge laughs. They call him the Reservation Sensation for good reason; he is one of the most requested comedians in Indian Country today! This master storyteller delivers wall-to-wall laughs that connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. As seen on Showtime’s “Native American Comedy Jam”.

JR is the first Native American comedian to release an hour long solo stand-up comedy special and if you need to know why, just check out “Full Blooded Hilarious” for yourself!

SHORTS

“Moses on the Mesa”, USA MOSES ON THE MESA is a real-life story of a German Jewish immigrant who became governor of the Native American tribe of Acoma during the days of the Wild West and had to defend it against a neighboring pueblo.

“Escape to the Moon”, USA Escape to the Moon is a short mixed media production that tells the story of a boy robot searching for love. Locked in the attic by his human owner, the boy robot’s only possessions are a broken pencil and book – which tells the story of an astronaut who flew to the moon. Upon his arrival back on Earth, the astronaut is announced a hero and adored by the world. Every night, the boy Robot stares at the moon and can only image stepping foot on the Moon. Until, one day he is befriended by female robot, who wants to help her new friend reach his goal. This new friendship sends the boy robot on his tremendous adventure to find love.

“NYC NDN”, USA Yes there are real Indians in New York City…and NYC NDN sets out to introduce a few of them to you. NYC NDN lets them tell you their stories…where they live; where they work; where they play. And that’s not counting those who were born here in this concrete jungle…yep Native American Indian New Yorkers…we are here, have been and will be. Meet Joe Kabance…our first NYC NDN…with (11) more 15 minute videos to come.

Mitakuye Oyasin…we are all related

“We Are Champions”, Canada We Are Champions is a documentary, developed over a 4-year period, about residential school survivors sharing stories of happy childhood memories before they were forcibly taken from their homes. The stories took place in Lytton, a small village in the Interior of British Columbia, Canada, which was the location of St. Georges School, one of many residential schools in Canada. As these survivors shared their stories, they began to connect with their inner strength and humour, and to reconnect with their traditions, culture, and ancestral sites. The elders hope this reconnection with traditions and nature will inspire others to remember and share their happy memories as a way to building strong family ties within their communities.

“Gods Golden Eye”, USA This is the story of the tragic desecration of sacred Native American land, on the doorstep of Los Angeles. 2,000 years ago Serrano Indians occupied the beautiful mountain landscape of Big Bear California. they worshiped a huge dome of pure white rock called ‘God’s Eye’, believing it to be the eye of their creator god ‘Kruktat’. In the 1850’s the Serrano’s were brutally chased out of their homelands by ranchers from the valley below, angry at attacks on their homesteads. The California gold rush brought Miners into Big Bear and with it man’s lust for wealth and survival. Believing there to be gold in God’s Eye’s brilliant white quartz, the Miners dynamited it to pieces.

After sifting through the rock, they realized there wasn’t any gold. God’s Golden Eye had been destroyed. Film maker Ian Murphy takes us in a journey back in time to discover what the mysterious God’s Eye meant to the Indians, why the miners blew it up and what God’s Eye’s message is for us today.

“Unipkaat-Our Stories”, Alaska The Unipkaat – Our Stories documentary film project chronicles challenges and changes in the lives of Inuit people of northern Alaska. From transportation, to education, to language and food; at times the transition has been difficult, but the people have never lost their resiliency and reverence for their homeland. Six Elders from the village of Koyuk warmly describe their memories and observations.

Located at the mouth of the Koyuk River is the home of the Malimiut Inuit culture. Like many rural communities in rural Alaska, the village of Koyuk is challenged by crucial social issues. “But as we listen and understand the wisdom and the stories from our Elders, they will teach us how we bridge together the delicate balance that exists between the old and the new ways of life.”

“Ililirstait (The Helpers)”, Alaska Alaska Natives have called Alaska their home for thousand of years. However, in the last several years western colonization has led to a dramatic upheaval of culture and loss of power. Ililirstait tells the story of a movement of indigenous social workers who are working to restore their culture and empower their people.

“PLACEnta”, USA PLACEnta is a documentary film that explores how a Cree woman discovers the symbolic spiritual significance of the PLACEnta ceremony. Unfortunately, her PLACEnta from her birth of her twins in 2006 still remains frozen in her freezer of her Toronto home because she is unsure of how to proceed with the ceremony. Her growing frustration and angst lies in the fact that throughout Canadian history her people were condemned for practicing traditional ceremony, therefore, the Cree PLACEnta ceremony remains a mystery. She visits her home community in the north hoping to find some answers, but comes back empty handed.

“NiiPii”, USA Trapped in a dream state, a Cree woman faces her fears through the traditional water teachings of her culture and with the help of her spirit guide, the bear.

“Amazon”, Brazil Life on earth would not be possible without the oxygen and fresh water generated in places like the Amazon rain-forest, but the Amazon is being destroyed by the oil industry for short-term economic gain, threatening the existence of the plants, animals, and people who live in the rain-forest.

Nina Gualinga: Ecuador is not going to get out of poverty just because they come and drill for oil in the Amazon. Ecuador is going to lose the only rain forest that we have left. It’s going to destroy cultures and the environment, kill animals. That’s not getting out of poverty.

“1491’s”, USA The 1491s are a sketch comedy group based in the wooded ghettos of Minnesota and buffalo grass of Oklahoma. They are a gaggle of Indians chock full of cynicism and splashed with a good dose of indigenous satire. They coined the term “All My Relations” and are still waiting on the royalties. They were at Custer’s Last Stand. They mooned Chris Columbus when he landed. They invented bubble gum. the 1491s teach young women to be strong. And teach young men how to seduce these strong women.

“The Smoke Shack”, USA A lot of people on the rez rely on the cigarette industry as a means to get by and pay the bills. One of the jobs created is working in the actual cigarette store, waiting…. for people to come and buy the death sticks. Cigarette stores range from huge fancy convenience stores with luxuries such as indoor plumbing, to people selling straight from their trunks. This is a little taste of one woman’s day at work in one of many cigarette stores that exist on her reservation. Dealing with customers and dealing with the art of killing time.

“Frontera”, USA Frontera! Revolt and Rebellion on the Rio Grande is a documentary animation about the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The first American Revolution occurred along the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico when the Pueblo Indians broke from the Spanish Empire. The 1680 Pueblo Revolt has shaped the deeply contested territories of the US-Mexico borderlands even today. Native and Chicano narrators recall this living history through humor, music and cartoons.

“Reetis”, USA Reetis focuses on Syreeta Hector’s discovery of her Metis ancestry at age 27. It is a funny and deeply personal dance film exploring self-perception based on the assumptions of others.

“Mohawk Midnight Runners”, Canada A Mohawk man starts a midnight running club to honor the life of a friend he lost to suicide. Together with his buddies, Grant carries on his departed friend’s love of… streaking all over the reserve.

MUSIC VIDEOS

“We Shall Remain”, USA WE SHALL REMAIN is a music video created to address the effects of historical trauma in our tribal communities. Many times, these untended wounds are at the core of much of the self-inflicted pain experienced in Native America. Much like fire, this pain can either be devastatingly destructive or wisely harnessed to become fuel that helps us to rise up and move forward in life with joy, purpose and dignity. “Frank Waln Oil 4 Blood”, USA Award winning Hip Hop Artist from the Rosebud Reservation and Sicangu Lakota nation; we all deserve to be happy, healthy and respected who recently opened for Willie Nelson and Neil Young.

“Lonely Native”, USA In an age where only money matters, A Mohawk warrior fights to find balance between the traditional ways and new world.

RETROSPECTIVE: “BEST OF FEST – FIRST 10 YEARS”

“Why the Women in My Family Don’t Drink Whiskey”, USA The Blackfoot Confederacy and Theda NewBreast’s family were hurt by historical traumas and alcohol abuse. So much language, ceremony lost for a while. Blackfeet are now reclaiming and capturing their spirit, their soul, their children, ceremonies, language. This short doc film is dedicated to Theda’s mother who is now 75 years old. Her mother helped her as a child in stopping the colonization with this generation.

“Yellow Rock,” USA Five men ride into the eerie town of Yellow Rock, hoping to rescue a family member and his lost boy. The leader, Max Dietrich, hires mountain man Tom Hanner to guide them into the Black Paw Tribe territory for the search.

“In the FootSteps of Yellow Woman”, USA A docu-drama about a young Navajo teenage girl who finds her own strengths through the making of a documentary about her grandmother and their ancestral history. She imagines what it would be like to be her Great-Great-Great-Grandmother, Yellow Woman, who lived through the Navajo Long Walk of 1864 – 1868.

“Cangleska Wakan”, USA Cangleska Wakan addresses the ‘Sacred Hoop’ of the Lakota Nation through candid and revealing opinions from contributors on various reservations in South Dakota.

“American Holocaust: When Its All Over I’ll Still be Indian”, USA, * Considered for OSCAR Nomination* Romero is the only American Indian Filmmaker to be close to an Oscar Nod! This powerful, hard-hitting documentary reveals the link between Adolf Hitler’s treatment of German Jews and the U.S. government’s treatment of American Indians depicts disturbing parallels between these two Holocausts and explores the historical, social and religious roots of America’s own “ethnic cleansing.” The film also examines, through the words and experiences of contemporary Indian people, the long term lasting effects of this on-going destructive process and the possible ramifications for the future of American Indian people in the 21st century.

This documentary is the first and only film that compares Hitler’s attempted genocide of German Jews with the U.S. government’s treatment of American Indians and the lasting effects on the culture today.

“Trudell”, USA A documentary about legendary Native American poet and activist, John Trudell. A chronicle of legendary Native American poet/activist John Trudell’s travels, spoken word performances and politics.

… one of the most prominent and passionate advocates for Native American rights. … *John Trudell+ deserves more daring and objective scrutiny than this overly reverent tribute. —Jeanette Catsoulis, The New York Times

By preaching so relentlessly to the choir, this film misses an opportunity to show what got them to sing in the first place. —Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Despite the rambling finish, however, overall the film is a thought-provoking and graceful portrait of a tenacious peace warrior whose frankness is his greatest weapon. — Erin Meister, The Boston Globe

Red Nation FilmLab Conversation Series, a program of onstage discussions with native artists and celeb voices, topics include: Social Media & the American Indian, Native Women in Film & Television, Music in Film and Native Wellness in the Arts.

RNFF’s mission is dedicated to breaking the barrier of racism by successfully replacing American Indian stereotype with recognition, new vision, arts, culture and economic prosperity by placing American Indian Filmmakers at the forefront of the entertainment industry and to introduce American Indian Filmmakers to larger, global mainstream audiences while establishing relations between the American Indian community and the entertainment industry.

See you at the movies – Attend Red Nation Film Festival and Awards Show, become a member, support native cinema on the silver screen, help us bring the bigger picture of the American scene to mainstream audiences.

CONTACT: Red Nation Media Nadine Aragon Office: 818.665.5753 Email: [email protected] http://www.rednationff.com

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